Kwara Muslims observe first Eid prayer after Chief Imam’s death

Muslim faithful across Kwara State thronged the Ilorin Emirate Central Praying Ground on Friday to perform the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, marking the end of Ramadan.

The gathering was particularly emotional, as it was the first Eid congregation since the death of the late Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Muhammad Soliu.

The service was led by the Imam Imole of Ilorin Emirate, Alhaji Abdullahi AbdulAmeen, who guided worshippers through prayers for peace, unity, and continued progress in the state and across Nigeria.

Sheikh Soliu, who passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Abuja at 75, served as the 12th Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual leadership.

He assumed the role in 1983 and was widely respected for his contributions to Islamic scholarship and community development.

The Eid gathering, attended by clerics, traditional titleholders, and residents, included reflections on the late Imam’s legacy, alongside renewed calls for unity, moral discipline, and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking with Very Nigerian shortly after the prayer, the Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Security, Yusuf Gobir, emphasised collective responsibility in addressing insecurity.

“The security of this country is in our hands; it is everybody’s responsibility. From your home to your community, if you notice any suspicious movement, question such individuals and report them to the appropriate authorities,” he said.

Gobir stressed that insecurity cannot thrive without local awareness and cooperation.

“Our problem is our own problem. Insecurity cannot flourish without the knowledge of the indigenes. We must speak the truth and work together,” he added.

On the issue of state policing, he described it as a welcome development that would strengthen grassroots security.

“State police will operate within local government areas and understand the terrain better. This will improve intelligence gathering and overall security response,” Gobir noted.

Also speaking, a Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Moshood Oniye, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of sacrifice, discipline, and generosity imbibed during Ramadan.

“We thank Almighty Allah for the successful completion of Ramadan. One of the greatest lessons is sacrifice. We abstained from food, drink, and other pleasures to attain spiritual growth,” he said.

Oniye further emphasised the importance of extending kindness beyond the fasting period.

“The month has been one of blessings, as the wealthy supported the less privileged. We must continue this culture of generosity because not everyone is wealthy,” he added.

He also linked moral conduct to societal peace and security.

“During Ramadan, we shunned social vices and unlawful acts. If we continue on this path, crime rates will reduce, and society will be safer for all,” Oniye said.

A traditional titleholder in the Ilorin Emirate called for sustained moral uprightness across all age groups.

“May this not be our last Eid. May God bring peace to Ilorin and Kwara State at large. We must all shun social vices, whether young or old,” he said, urging residents to support one another, particularly the vulnerable.

At the Olorunsogo Central Mosque, the Chief Imam, Imam Soliu Orire, also called for unity and adherence to Islamic teachings during the Eid prayer.

“Muslims must continue to promote Islam through good character, mutual support, and compassion. These are the core teachings of our faith,” he said.

He urged the faithful not to abandon the discipline cultivated during Ramadan.

“The good deeds, devotion, and moral conduct observed during Ramadan should be sustained in our daily lives,” Orire added.

The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, encouraged Muslims to uphold the spiritual values of Ramadan beyond the celebrations.

“Eid is a time for gratitude, reflection, and renewed commitment to devotion, compassion, and self-discipline. These values should guide our actions for the betterment of society,” he said.

Similarly, a Peoples Democratic Party aspirant for Ilorin North West Constituency, Azeez Jaji, called for unity, peace, and collective responsibility among residents.

“Compassion, service, and community cohesion are essential for positive change. We must work together to ensure safety in our homes, markets, and schools,” he said.

“As an aspirant, I remain committed to contributing to a community where everyone feels included and empowered,” Jaji added.

Across Kwara State, the Eid celebrations were largely peaceful, with clerics and community leaders emphasising prayers, reflection, and a renewed commitment to building a harmonious society

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